Harriet Roland served as law clerk for the Denver, Colorado Probate Court before opening her Nevada firm, and is experienced and knowledgeable with both the sides of the process the court's side, and the client's side. She holds an accounting degree and M.B.A. in taxation as well as a law degree. This advanced training gives her the skills necessary to provide any required accountings estate tax returns, and to advise beneficiaries on the tax implications of their inheritances.

Our firm offers full-service, economic and efficient probate assistance to families who are coping with the aftermath and devastation of a loss. Our involvement can be a calming influence for a family whose emotions are overflowing at a difficult time. Our fees can be billed hourly, or as a percentage of the estate. If a Nevada administrator is necessary to assist out-of-state executors, we can provide as much or as little help in winding up the estate as necessary, including the selling property and the negotiating down the outstanding bills. We also offer financial assistance to heirs in meeting the need for cash while waiting for the distribution of their inheritance.

Simply put, probate is the court-supervised process of winding up the affairs of the decedent, and transferring title of the assets of the deceased person to the rightful heirs. In Nevada, whether a person dies with a will ("testate") or without a will ("intestate") court supervision is necessary for estates valued at more than $75,000. After taxes are calculated and paid, and creditor claims are negotiated and paid, the remaining assets are either distributed "in kind" to the rightful heirs, or they are sold and the money distributed.

For many estates valued at less, the process is much simpler, with a minimum of paperwork and court involvement. Not all assets are subject to court-supervised administration and distribution. Probate is often not necessary for assets held in joint tenancy (such as a jointly-owned home), assets which pass by contract or beneficiary designation (such as life insurance policies or I.R.A. accounts). Similarly, assets held and titled in the name of a trust usually do not require court-supervised administration.

Sometimes court supervision of an estate is desirable, even if not technically necessary. In situations where a family battle is brewing, or an heir or creditor is disagreeing with the amount due, a court order will protect the executor from personal liability.

Contrary to common misinformation, the state does not take anything when a person dies without a will. But if a person wishes to leave assets to someone other than their legal heirs as determined by statute, a will is necessary. And if a person desires that their heirs and beneficiaries are able to avoid the probate process entirely, a trust may be the best solution.